Monday, January 28, 2013

Slump Test

Purpose: To assess for movement restriction/impingement of the dura and spinal cord and/or nerve roots. Modifications test for cervical and lumbar nerve roots, sciatic nerve, obturator nerve and femoral nerve impingements.
Patient/Therapist Position and Procedure:
Pt
is seated on edge of table, feet hanging off the table. Pt
is instructed to “slump” over into thoracic and lumbar flexion. Pt
has hands behind his/her back. Pt
is asked to keep neck and head in neutral (no flexion). If there are no
reproduction of neurological symptoms, the PT progresses to the slump test
modifications.

*Note- Unaffected leg should always be tested first.

Interpretation: + indication when pain is reproduced with comparable symptoms; if pt is unable to extend (affected) knee due to pain and then the pain is relieved when overpressure of the cervical spine is released the pt actively extends their neck.